The Capitol was begun at a time when the country was entirely destitute of artists, and even of good workmen in the branches of architecture, upon which the superiority of public over private buildings depends. The north wing, therefore, which is carried up, although the exterior is remarkably well finished as to the masonry, is not a good building. For two or three years after the removal of Congress to this city the public works were entirely discontinued. In the year 1803, however, they were resumed, and under the patronage of the President and the annual appropriations by Congress the south wing of the Capitol has been begun and carried on. It is now so far advanced as to make it necessary that we should have as early as possible the assistance of a good sculptor of architectural decorations * * *.
The principal sculpture required was 24 Corinthian capitals, 2 feet 4 inches in diameter at their feet and open enriched entablatures of 147 feet (both English measure) in length. Also five panels (tavole) enriched with foliage and an eagle of colossal size in the frieze, the distance between the tips of the extended wings to be 12 feet 6 inches. As to material, yellowish sandstone of fine grain was to be used.
PLAN, IN BLACK, SHOWING PART FIRST OCCUPIED BY CONGRESS, 1800
The later history of the Capitol will be found on [page 219].
THE WHITE HOUSE
The most definite description of the White House as it existed during its earlier days is to be found in American Scenery, published in London in 1840 and edited by Nathaniel Parker Willis, who writes as follows:
The residence of the Chief Magistrate of the United States resembles the country seat of an English nobleman in its architecture and size; but it is to be regretted that the parallel ceases when we come to the grounds. By itself it is a commodious and creditable building, serving its purpose without too much state for a republican country, yet likely, as long as the country exists without primogeniture and rank, to be sufficiently superior to all other dwelling houses to mark it as the residence of the Nation’s chief.
